Author has written 23 stories for Lloyd Alexander, Harry Potter, and Les Misérables.

An English professor at a midwestern university, I introduce students to other people's metaphors. It has been an absolute blast coming up with some of my own. While I love the scholarly writing I usually do, it's exhilarating to tap into other creative energies.

As you can guess from my fics, I am a big-time, long-time (thirty-five years and counting) fan of Lloyd Alexander's Prydain chronicles, which consist of The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King. (There are also two picture books and a story collection.) If you have not yet read these magnificent books, I highly recommend them. It is rare to find writing so luminous with wisdom and beauty. Coming from me, that's a real endorsement. Whatever else I've done with my life, I have read a lot of books.

As you can also tell from my Prydain fics (not to mention my pen name), my favorite character in the series is Adaon, son of the chief bard Taliesin. (If you'd like to read more about what Adaon means to me, take a peek at the author's note to my first fic "The Measure of Our Hearts.") In imagining a backstory for Adaon, I also wanted to flesh out the character of Arianllyn, his betrothed, whom we hear about in The Black Cauldron but, alas, never meet. As I explored the history of these two young people, I found myself thinking back to the older generation, so some of my Prydain fics imagine a backstory for Taliesin and the wife I invented for him, the female bard Cerys. By the way, I was fortunate enough to correspond with Alexander before his death in 2007, and, when I asked whether Adaon's mother could have been a bard too, he assured me this would be in keeping both with the role of women in ancient Celtic culture and his own conception of Prydain. Indeed, my attempts to make the women in my fics as wise and heroic as their menfolk is very much influenced by, and a tribute to, the groundbreaking representation of strong-minded heroines in Alexander's books.

I'd like to encourage those of you who are Prydain fans to drop by the forum CompanionWanderer and I started several years back, "Bards of Prydain," open not only to those who write Prydain fanfiction but anyone who wants to get into a good conversation about the books and characters. We have also started drabble challenges. Please join us!

In addition to writing about Prydain, I have also written Harry Potter fics, mainly, though not exclusively, focusing on that most complex of characters, Severus Snape. As with my Prydain fics, I tend to stick to canon and not write AU stories. Though I'm happy to imagine missing scenes, alternate points of view, and backstory, I leave chronology, events, and relationships pretty much as they are in Rowling's splendidly imagined universe.

Just so you know, too, in my writing I try to avoid character bashing. One of Rowling's most brilliant achievements is to complicate even her villains--and, perhaps more marvelously yet, her heroes. "The world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters,'" Sirius Black says, a sentiment that recalls Lloyd Alexander's line in The Black Cauldron that "in most of us good and bad are closely woven as the threads on a loom." Never, perhaps, have these insights been so richly--and exasperatingly!--illustrated as in the figure of Snape, but they are true of others in the Potter books as well, including Dumbledore. Because, in fact, Rowling did such an amazing job of complicating Dumbledore's character in Deathly Hallows, I've developed something of an allergy to the reductive Dumbledore-demonization that one finds in some Snape fics. I also get extremely tetchy when people attack Lily for breaking off her friendship with Snape when he does the magic-world equivalent of going Nazi. Again, I point this out just so you know where I'm coming from.

Having recently discovered the musical and movie versions of a book I have loved for years, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, I have written one drabble for that fandom, and hope to write more. As I see it, there is much that connects the Prydain chronicles, the Harry Potter books, and Les Miserables, especially a theme that is well conveyed in the following quotes from all three sources:

"There is much to be known," said Adaon, "and above all much to be loved, be it the turn of the seasons or the shape of a river pebble. Indeed, the more we find to love, the more we add to the measure of our hearts."

Lloyd Alexander, The Black Cauldron

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."

J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Take my hand

I'll lead you to salvation

Take my love

For love is everlasting . . .

And remember, the truth that once was spoken:

To love another person

Is to see the face of God.

Screenplay of Les Miserables (2012), adapted from the musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg

A chance meeting, a twist of fate, a golden thread added to the loom...and the first rays of daylight fall on one who has lived in darkness. Eilonwy's own story, during the events of The Book of Three.

The Carrows go too far with Neville, and someone unexpected saves his life. But when a detention with the Headmaster keeps him late, the truth he discovers is even stranger. Can the two work together and trust each other to protect Hogwarts and it's students, and maintain their fragile alliance?

When Severus Snape is left in charge of Hogwarts over the christmas break, he is less than pleased to discover Harry will be one of his charges. Events force him to face that Mr Potter may not be quite what he has assumed all these years. Year 6

Jean Valjean has only just adopted Cosette, but when he made that promise to Fantine he never knew just how much his life would change. Cosette is a broken child who has never known love, and neither has he. But he's still her Papa. And she still trusts him. A series of father/daughter one-shots that may turn out to be dark, bittersweet, but always fluffy.

What makes a leader, and what makes people follow him? A retelling of Lloyd Alexander's Book of Three through the eyes of the people that loved and followed a big-headed boy Assistant Pig-Keeper through the thorn bushes all the way to Caer Dathyl, with the Horned King and all his legions behind them. Rated for safety.

They are bound for the Summer Country on the morrow. How does one spend one's last hours in Prydain? Multiple character POV. Bittersweetness, joy, humor, and melancholy. Dedicated to my friends at the Bards of Prydain Forum and to Lloyd Alexander, whose own voyage Westward happened in its own time and yet, all too soon.

"In the final minutes, he will remember the two times he meets her eyes before the beginning of the end, before the moment he learns the name of the strange warrior-lover as he carries her body into their makeshift morgue." A slightly AU one-shot of brokenness and might-have-beens.

Marius sighed. He dearly loved his wife and his father-in-law, but he sometimes wondered whether they were too forgiving for their own good. He had no problem with their generosity—but he hadn't exactly planned on spending their first Christmas together sharing dinner with two women they'd picked up off the streets and an anti-social police inspector. Shoujo Cosette fic.

Out of nowhere comes the one event that will change his life forever. Modern college AU without the established canon pairing(s) for the main character(s) of the fanfiction. Crack pairing. Genderbend. Fflewddur x fem!Adaon. Rating may change as the story progresses for canon-based tragic/violent events. WARNING: MAY CONTAIN CRACK PAIRINGS. Don't like, don't read.

For one moment Valjean might have been his younger self again, staring in a mirror. Usual disclaimers. For a Great Tales challenge. The prompt was a line from "Surrounded" by Dream Theater: "By a candle stands a mirror/Of his heart and soul . . ."

She watches him constantly. For as far back as she cares to remember, he has been her everything, her entire world. He used to be so large, so much larger than life... like a god. He would lift her up one-handed and place her on his shoulders, his smile, his laugh, as big and bold as Zeus, himself. ...He doesn't seem that large, anymore. (father/daughter character piece, canon era)

"The peasants of the Asturias believe that in every litter of wolves there is one dog, which is killed by the mother, lest on growing up it should devour the other little ones. Give a human face to this dog son of a wolf, and you will have Javert." Victor Hugo

"You've done your duty-nothing more." The words were spoken without malice, yet they inexplicably stung as if Valjean had struck him in the face. What did he mean by 'nothing more? He'd done everything right, hadn't he?

Standing on a rooftop overlooking the city of Paris, Javert reflects on what makes a man "good" and whether or not he falls into that category. As the barricade falls, the revolutionaries aren't the only ones who need reminding that even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise. An alternate ending for Javert.

Post DH fic. He was sure he was going to die. He was sure he had died. Only somebody seemed to have decided to give him a new lease of life he hadn't asked for. Follows on from Flower Remedy and examines Snape's memories in detail.

When both Severus Snape and Harry Potter survive, against all odds, they must renegotiate their relationship... and save each other all over again. This is a MENTORING/adoption fic, not slash. It is canon -compliant and begins immediately post-battle. It's rated Teen - for everyone 13 and up. Mild cussing in one or two chapters, some angst.

One night, Minerva cannot bear it anymore and breaks down as her past comes back to haunt her. Merely wishing to release her emotions discretely, she instead receives a valuable life lesson she'll never forget. Warning: Pottermore spoilers ahead.

Now that Severus is Headmaster and the Carrows prowl around, is there any seasonal cheer to be had? Filius, for one, has no intention of cancelling Christmas. A Snape&Flitwick friendship story with SS/MM background.

"He clutched Severus' robes,shaking with anger.'If you ever talk about Lily again-' hissed James as the narrowed hazel eyes glared into the black. 'She's not yours to claim' Severus spat." - A story about Snape's feelings and undying love for Lily Evans

When Umbridge's detentions get too much to handle, Harry finds himself back in the hospital wing, and Snape finds himself forced to come to the aid of The Boy Who Lived once more. Will Umbridge finally get her comeuppance?

Harry returns to the boathouse to retrieve the body of a man he thought to be dead, and finds himself haunted by a familiar spirit only he can see and hear. But, little do they know, Severus isn't quite ready to give up the 'ghost' just yet... NO slash

The night of the battle the trio retrieved Severus Snape from the shack to Hogwarts. He had not expected to survive the war and feels broken. But it’s sometimes when we don’t expect anymore,that life grants us what what we have ever dreamt of...

Soon after saving Dumbledore from the cursed Marvolo ring, Professor Snape is struck by an incurable degenerative illness as a result of the potion he must brew to keep the Headmaster alive. Will they be able to help Harry destroy Voldemort? AU nonsense.

Sequel to "Loyalty For Life". The guilt of his promise to kill the Headmaster is a heavy burden for Severus Snape- even though Albus wants him to do it. Minerva notices something is wrong and Severus asks for a little advice. NO ROMANCE!

Just before Christmas,Harry hears the basilisk and thinks he's going mad. He flees into a blizzard and is followed by Snape. Trapped by the storm, they hide in a cave. Will they survive to celebrate Christmas? Sick!Harry & sick!Severus. AU, COS, mentorSev

Sort of a sequel and a companion piece to Dudley's Memories. Harry is finding a healthy outlet for his "saving people thing" in the form of one damaged little boy. In doing so he finds himself thinking about his old teacher, quite a bit.

He wakes up to find a pile of presents under the tree. For the first time in his life. He is 21 years old. Everyone has a first. A Severus Snape fic. One-shot. NO SLASH! Sequel to "Christmas Compassion".

What happens when Albus asks a certain potions master to help decorate for the holidays? And what's with the potter boy and his sudden spirit of giving... even to a snarky git? Merry Christmas everyone! Some fluff, little bit of OOC. Complete! This is my very first fanfiction and I realize now it isn't my best but go ahead and read!

Minerva needs help delivering another letter to #4 Privet Drive. At forty, Dudley is not at all what Harry expects. A long overdue conversation ensues. DH cannon compliant, but probably not the way you think. Prologue to "Snape's Memories".

Severus had hoped he and Lily would always be best friends, for that was what she had told him their first year at Hogwarts, but what happens when the passing years demand otherwise? A series of vignettes exploring years 1-7 and beyond. Canon-compliant.

A little story during Taran Wanderer about Taran's thoughts after he has found his father and has told Fflewddur that Eilonwy should forget him. CH.2, Taran's illness. I do not own the Prydain Chronicles, it's characters or any affiliates.

The Chronicles of Prydain: Eilonwy's years on Mona, written from her own point of view. Mostly humorous teen angst, smattering of drama and romance. Introspective and rambling, more character than plot.

Rita Skeeter publishes the true story of what happened at Hogwarts during Year Seven. Professor Slughorn reads and comments; and nothing is quite what it seems. Contains interviews with Neville, Rolanda, Filius and Harry Potter Himself!

In mid-winter in the year of the final battle, Severus Snape feels overwhelmed, sick, and tired of the duties required of him. How does he cope with working for both sides? Canon oneshot, rated T to be on the safe side. Reviews are very much appreciated!

Nightmares. The only solidity Harry Potter can count on anymore. As he enters his sixth year at Hogwarts, he will face a new nightmare in the form of one Severus Snape. But will it be as bad as they both expect it to be? COMPLETE!

The last battle is fought, Voldemort is vanquished. Minerva McGonagall bids farewell to a good friend. This is a loose sequel to "Forsaken", you don't need to read that one first, though. English Version of "Abschied".

Prydain Chronicles, immediately post-series. Warning: contains every major spoiler for The High King. Taran explores his mixed emotions about the changes that have befallen him in the last several hours. Drama, humor, and loads of Taran/Eilonwy fluff.

Tis the season to be surly...and nothing irritates the Potions Master more than an untimely cold over the holidays, unless it's unwelcome attention from his colleagues. Set during "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." Not slash, just fluff.

Chronicles of Prydain, Gwydion vignette during The Book of Three. Unable to reach Caer Dathyl, the prince encounters some unexpected help, and heads toward the showdown with his nemesis. Definitely needs some critique!

Sixth year AU, written pre HBP. When Harry appears at the Welcoming Feast wearing a glamor only Snape notices, Snape decides to find out what the glamor is hiding. His investigation leads to a number of shocking revelations about both Harry and himself.

The battle was over the day had been won by the power of Light… “Where is he?” she asked.Confused, Harry tried to clear his befuddled mind.“Where is the Headmaster?” the witch asked.“He died last year,” the young wizard said.“No. Where is Professor Snape?

Deathly Hallows spoilers! Harry and Hermione retrieve a certain someone's body from the Shrieking Shack, thinking about the after effects of the loss of war and the sacrifices made by one man in particular.

Chronicles of Prydain, longish oneshot. Set immediately prior to The High King. Coll travels down memory lane while preparing for Eilonwy's return from Mona. A little humor, a little drama, some vicarious TaranEilonwy.

The companions deal with the death of their friend. Spoilers for those who have not read The High King. I always had a hard time accepting this character's death and this is how I imagine the other character's reactions.

A short story based on a reference in Castle of Llyr. The night before she leaves for Mona, Eilonwy and Taran struggle with the changes they facing as well as threatening voices and bad omens. IDONOTOWNTHEPRYDAINCHRONICLESCHARACTERS

Taran, still guiltridden, is a given the painful task of telling the Lady Arianllyn of her bethrothed Adaon's recent death. Fic set after the events of The Black Cauldron, in the Chronicles of Prydain series.

ONE-SHOT: 1968: On his way home from work, Tobias Snape ponders his relationship with Eileen. In the beginning, they loved each other, didn't they? But now, only bitterness and harsh words are left. Part of the "Two bbs and a bear verse".

Drabble set between chapters 15 and 16 of Taran Wanderer. Returning to Craddoc's hut from Caer Dallben and finding Taran deathly ill, Fflewddur has to admit he is not so free of human ties as he had thought.

Prydain drabble. The death of Eilonwy's mother, as described by the evil Morda in ch. 8 of Taran Wanderer, but here from Angharad's perspective. Also draws on the backstory of Angharad's elopement in "The True Enchanter" from The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain.

Based on events in the second of the Prydain chronicles, The Black Cauldron, this story shows Taliesin and Arianllyn coming to grips with their sorrow at Adaon's death. Ch. 2, the author's note, explains how I came to write the fic.